Sept. 11 remains a day of remembrance for the lives lost at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and aboard United Airlines Flight 93. It is also a day to honor the first responders, service members and others who have continued to carry the memories of those lost.
This year, National Maintenance & Build Out Company in Ivyland marked the day by dedicating a new flagpole in front of the building at 1044 Pulinski Road.
The new flagpole will provide a permanent place at NMBOC to honor the American flag and recognize the individuals who have served and sacrificed for the country and community.
For John Folz, president of NMBOC, the dedication was something he had wanted to do for years.
“We always wanted to put a flagpole up,” said Folz. “We also decided to build the seating area around it and we thought it would be nice to have the whole thing dedicated because it’s 25 years since Sept. 11 and it’s also 25 years since we’ve been in business. We had a very nice turnout for this and I’m happy to see so many people here to honor our first responders.
“This flagpole stands as a tribute to every survivor, every first responder, every service member and every family that continues to carry memories of that day.”
NMBOC is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The company provides ground-up construction, retail and commercial build-outs and national facility maintenance services.
The Marine Corps League Patriot Detachment 1230 presented the colors. This organization supports Marines, veterans and their families and participates in community events throughout the area, providing color guard services, participating in flag-raising ceremonies and working to honor those who have served.
“Sept. 11 is a day we must never forget,” said Peter Palestina of the Marine Corps League. “It is important that we continue to honor those we lost and recognize our first responders, veterans and local heroes who continue to serve our communities.”
Lisa Garner sang the National Anthem before the actual flag-raising ceremony.
Sen. Frank Farry and State Rep. Kristin Marcell were also in attendance.
“When I speak at high schools these days, I think of all those students who weren’t alive when 9/11 happened and it’s like a Kennedy moment for my generation, when you know exactly where you were when you heard the news of what happened,” Farry said. “It’s important that we have community events and remembrances so that we don’t ever forget all the sacrifices and all the lives that were lost.
“I want to thank John and his business for doing this. It’s a private business actually doing a community memorial. I think it’s great that they did this and it will help us to never forget.”
Military and veterans advocate Brian Vinogradov, appearing on behalf of Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, also spoke at the event. Vinogradov was eight years old on Sept. 11, 2001, and 10 years later enlisted in the Army.
“Sept. 11 was part of why I joined the Army,” he said. “If you have never been to the site in New York City, I encourage you to go. I also encourage you to see the site in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
“I’m humbled and very happy to see so many people come out and show love and keep the story alive and thanks to the fire and police for what you do.”
The Northampton Township Police Department, Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad and the Northampton Township Fire Department were on hand to represent first responders who serve and protect the community every day.
Chief of Police Steven LeCompte, Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad chief of operations Jason Dowd and fire captain Cody Stoner unveiled the marker beneath the flagpole.
“On a day like today, it’s really important to remember what happened,” Stoner said. “This is a great way to recognize the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice that day and keep their lives and their memories present for future generations who weren’t alive when the attack occurred.”
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